The Count of Monte Cristo Study Guide

Chapter Summaries

The Count of Monte Cristo Summary

The Count of Monte Cristo recounts the story of Edmond Dantès, the novel’s protagonist. Over 117 chapters, Alexandre Dumas’ masterpiece tracks Dantès through Italy, France, and several Mediterranean islands. The story also tracks most of the major events taking place between 1815 and 1839.

In the novel, Dantès takes on the roles of Abbé Faria, Lord Wilmore, Sinbad the Sailor, and (not surprisingly) the Count of Monte Cristo. Returning from sea aboard the Pharaon, Dantès docks a ship at Marseilles, France. The ship’s owner, Monsieur Morrel, thanks him for his service and promotes him to the position of ship’s captain. At this point, everything seems to be going well, particularly because Dantès is excited about his upcoming marriage to his fiancée Mercédès.

His successes are much to the chagrin of Danglars and Fernand Mondego. The latter comes up with a plot to frame Dantès for treason, going so far as to lie to the authorities that his enemy possesses a letter proving his support of Napoleon.

These false accusations lead to Dantès’ arrest during his wedding. While in confinement, he meets with Monsieur Villefort, an attorney at law. The lawyer reviews the alleged incriminating letter.

Later, Dantès is locked up in the Chateau d’If on a Mediterranean island. The plot reveals that the letter was penned by a close confidant of Napoleon’s and addressed to Villefort’s father. To protect his family, Villefort destroys the communiqué and gets the messenger (Dantès) locked up.

Over the next 14 years, The Count of Monte Cristo’s protagonist wastes away in prison – almost going crazy and giving up in the process. However, by chance, he meets Abbé Faria, a wealthy Italian. This illustrious prisoner teaches Dantès in the ways